Carolyn,
I actually prefer the Great Americans which, I believe you can get in France. They are as soft as Schminkes but have a greater color range, though Schminkes are adding colors. The skin tone colors are the best, they are evenly sequenced so you don't get big jumps or shifts in color.
They never crumble like Senneliers and their colors are gorgeous.
This is only my personal experience, but I have complete sets of Schminkes, Unisons, Senneliers, Great Americans, Giraults, Mt. Visions and bits and pieces of Rembrandts( too chalky ) and Diane Townsends ( too clunky and inconsistant color from batch to batch).
My second favorite is Unisons. Get them, at
www.cornelissen.com in London. Good prices.
As to using the garment you are wearing to clean your pastels, it is my method of choice. One day while working, I quite innocently answered my door bell. I opened my door, said hello, at which point my neighbor dissolved in laughter. I had not only used my T-shirt but my face.
Threaded Mode
